Page 12 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • November 28, 2012 ‘Mall-Ternative’ encourages local shopping, dining In the summer of 2010, the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce launched “The Mall-Ternative” campaign, an effort to encourage area residents to shop and dine locally. The centerpiece of this campaign is the popular Chamber Rewards Card, which may be used to access special offers at participating Ridgewood businesses. To receive a Chamber Rewards Card, visit the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce office at 27 Chestnut Street, First Floor, Suite 1B, or ask any participating vendor for a card. To have the card mailed to you, please contact the Chamber office at (201) 445-2600 or info@ridgewoodchamber.com. There is no cost to sign up for a card, and residents of any town are welcome to request one. To receive discounts and other special offers, simply present the card to participating vendors. Shoppers must present the card at the time of purchase; otherwise, the offered promotion is not valid. Each participating business offers its own unique and exciting deal to those who shop and dine in Ridgewood. To learn more about which businesses are participating in this program, look for a “Rewards Card Accepter Here!” poster in the windows or doors of shops and restaurants throughout the village. All of these businesses are current Ridgewood Chamber members. For a complete list, visit the Chamber website, experienceridgewood.com. The card does not expire; however, promotions will change from time to time. Check the Chamber’s website for current offers. Lost cards will be replaced. Chamber officials remind local residents that successful businesses contribute to the tax base, meet consumer demand, and add vibrancy to the community. The Chamber is encouraging all of its members to take part in this ongoing campaign to help stimulate foot traffic. The Ridgewood Parks and Recreation Department is seeking donations of toys, gloves, scarves, hats, mittens, and non-perishable food items for the needy. Donations may be brought to the Stable at 259 North Maple Avenue in Ridgewood weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Dec. 19. The Stable is also a collection site for Toys for Tots and for Mitten Tree. Toys for Tots is sponsored by the Saddle River Detachment #1211 Marine Corps League. Area residents are invited to bring new, unwrapped toys and games to make a child’s holiday a little brighter. The “Mitten Tree,” which is sponsored in conjunction with the Social Services Association of Ridgewood and Vicinity, is annually decorated with gloves, scarves, hats, and mittens donated by local residents to benefit neighbors. Donations of non-perishable food items, including canned tuna, boxed cereal, pasta, rice, canned juices, vegetables, soup, canned fruit, toilet paper, soap, shampoo, and detergent are welcome. For additional information, call (201) 670-5560. Holiday donations sought